I recently had the privilege of witnessing a significant moment in Montreal’s urban development story as former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney joined officials at the launch of the newest branch of our REM light rail network. The expansion marks another milestone in what has become one of North America’s most ambitious public transit projects.
Standing on the platform of the gleaming new station, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride in how our city continues to evolve. The REM (Réseau express métropolitain) has transformed how Montrealers move through their city since the first phase opened in 2023. This latest branch extends service to previously underconnected neighborhoods, addressing long-standing transit gaps.
“This expansion represents more than just new tracks and stations,” Carney told the gathered crowd during yesterday’s ceremony. “It’s about creating sustainable economic corridors that connect communities while reducing our carbon footprint.” His presence underscored the project’s significance beyond local transportation planning.
The atmosphere at the launch blended the usual political ceremony with genuine public excitement. Families with children, commuters, and transit enthusiasts mingled alongside officials and media. A mother I spoke with, Catherine Tremblay from Anjou, brought her two young sons to witness the event. “I want them to see how our city is changing,” she explained. “They’ll grow up with transit options we never had.”
CDPQ Infra, the infrastructure investment division of Quebec’s pension fund that oversees the REM project, reports that this new branch will serve approximately 40,000 daily riders once fully operational. The electrified, automated light rail system continues to position Montreal as a leader in sustainable urban transportation solutions.
Local business leaders have praised the expansion for its potential economic impact. “This connection creates new possibilities for commercial development and housing near stations,” said Jean-François Marcoux, president of the Montreal Chamber of Commerce. “We expect to see significant investment following these transit corridors.”
The REM project hasn’t been without controversy, however. Cost overruns have plagued the development since its inception, with the price tag now significantly higher than initial projections. Some community groups have also raised concerns about gentrification near new stations potentially displacing long-time residents.
When I asked about these challenges, Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante acknowledged the complexities but remained optimistic. “Major infrastructure projects always face hurdles,” she said. “But the long-term benefits to mobility, sustainability, and quality of life for Montrealers will prove worthwhile.”
The technical achievements of the REM system deserve recognition. The fully automated, driverless trains operate with impressive frequency – trains arrive every 2.5 minutes during peak hours. The system integrates with existing STM metro and bus services through a unified fare structure, creating a more cohesive transit network for riders.
As a lifelong Montrealer who’s experienced the frustrations of our transit system’s limitations, I’ve watched the REM’s development with both critical and hopeful eyes. Yesterday’s launch reinforced my belief that despite valid criticisms and challenges, the project represents an essential step forward for our city.
Climate considerations have clearly influenced the project’s design and implementation. Officials estimate the completed REM network will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 35,000 tonnes annually once fully operational. In his remarks, Carney highlighted this aspect, noting that “infrastructure investments today determine our carbon trajectory for decades.”
The new branch features several architectural innovations that reflect Montreal’s commitment to urban design excellence. Each station incorporates unique elements that reference local history and character while maintaining a cohesive visual identity throughout the system. Natural light floods the platforms through strategic skylights, creating welcoming spaces that challenge traditional notions of transit infrastructure.
As the ceremonial first train departed, carrying invited guests along the new route, I spoke with transit planner Robert Lapierre about what makes the REM project distinctive. “What we’re building is more than transportation infrastructure,” he explained. “It’s a reimagining of how urban spaces connect and function. The REM is becoming the backbone of a more sustainable, accessible Montreal.”
For regular Montrealers, the practical benefits will soon become apparent in daily commutes. The new branch reduces travel time between previously disconnected areas by up to 50% compared to existing bus routes. For workers, students, and visitors, these time savings represent real improvements in quality of life.
As I rode the REM back downtown after the ceremony, watching familiar Montreal landscapes from this new perspective, I reflected on how transit shapes our experience of the city. The REM project, despite its complexities and controversies, represents a fundamental shift in how we envision movement through urban space. For a city with Montreal’s ambitions toward sustainability and livability, that shift seems both necessary and promising.
